Egg Drop Soup

Warm and comforting egg drop soup with silky egg ribbons in a flavorful broth. Simple, delicious, and ready in minutes—a perfect quick meal or starter!

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Cook Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4.5 Cups

Equipment

Normal Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

4 C Chicken or Vegetable Broth or Stock
3 Large Eggs
1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
3 Tbsp Corn Starch
1 Green Onion
1/3 C Water
1/4 tsp MSG (Optional)
1/8 tsp White Pepper Black Pepper works too
Salt to Taste

Instructions

Heat your broth/stock to a simmer in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the pepper, and (optional) MSG.
4 C Chicken or Vegetable Broth or Stock, 1/4 tsp MSG, 1/8 tsp White Pepper
While the broth heats, slice your green onions. Crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk them with a fork until well combined. In a separate bowl, add the 1/3 C water and the corn starch. Whisk it into a solution.
3 Tbsp Corn Starch, 1 Green Onion, 1/3 C Water, 3 Large Eggs
When the broth is simmering, whisk the corn starch and water again (to return it to solution) and stir it into the broth. It will start to thicken.
While gently stirring, slowly pour the eggs into the soup in a steady stream. Slowly streaming them in while stirring will form them into the quintessential ribbons.
Once the eggs are all stirred in, add the sesame oil and taste for salt.
1/2 tsp Sesame Oil, Salt to Taste
Serve hot, garnished with the green onions.

Notes

If you want to add more yellow to the soup, along with additional nutrition, add in 1/2 tsp of turmeric.

Keyword Corn Starch, Drop, Egg, Green Onion, Sesame, Simple, Soup, Warm, Yellow

Egg Drop Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Health

Egg drop soup is a centuries-old comfort dish originating in China, known for its simplicity and nourishing qualities. The hallmark of this soup is the silky ribbons of egg, created by slowly drizzling beaten eggs into simmering broth. This simple yet elegant technique highlights the art of balancing timing and temperature to achieve perfect texture.

A Healing, Nourishing Tradition

In Chinese cuisine, this soup is more than just a meal—it’s often considered a healing dish. Chicken broth, a key ingredient, is known for its immune-boosting properties, while the eggs provide a protein-packed base. Traditional Chinese medicine views warm, brothy soups like this as soothing and restorative, especially during cold seasons. Turmeric, though not traditionally included, is a wonderful (optional) addition. It gives the soup a beautiful yellow hue and adds anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing its healing potential. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is renowned for supporting joint health and reducing inflammation, making it a smart choice for those seeking a nutrient boost.

Cultural Adaptations and Variations

Egg drop soup has evolved as it spread globally. In the U.S., cornstarch is often added to create a thicker consistency. In Laos, variations include red curry and coconut milk for a spicy twist. The versatility of this dish allows endless creativity while preserving its comforting core.

For those interested in trying another version, I also have a tomato egg drop soup recipe. This variation blends the silkiness of egg ribbons with the tangy richness of tomatoes, offering a fresh twist on the classic dish.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore creative adaptations, egg drop soup remains a symbol of comfort, warmth, and health across cultures. Its simplicity, combined with the healing power of its ingredients, makes it a timeless favorite.

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Egg Drop Soup (China)